Act 5, Scene 6 Summary

King Henry receives reports from his nobles as to what is going on throughout England. Northumberland reports that lords Salisbury, Spencer, Blunt and Kent have all been executed. Fitzwater reports that two other traitors have been executed. Lord Percy tells Henry that the Abbot of Westminster has also been executed for his part in the plot against Henry's life, but he has brought Bishop Carlisle with him to be sentenced by Henry. Henry, having seen honor in Carlisle, allows him to live, but he must go far from London and never return.

As this sentence is pronounced, Exton enters with his attendants carrying the coffin containing Richard's body. Exton tells Henry what he has done. Henry is angry because Exton has given the people reason to slander him. He says he did not want Richard murdered because the deed would adversely...